France has a history of producing many world-class powerlifters. The 2023 FFForce French Junior Nationals, which happened from April 8th to 10th, showcased the sports upcoming talent. As multiple fierce battles raged on, a few unofficial World Records were also observed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Most notably, Samantha Eugenie, from the 69-kilogram weight class, won the national title and unofficially broke two IPF Junior World Records.
Samantha Eugenie’s first unofficial IPF Junior World Record came in her favorite event, the deadlift. Samantha opened up with a lift of 210 kilograms (462.9 pounds). She then added an additional 9.5 kilograms (20.9 pounds) for her second attempt, but was not able to complete it. However, Samantha locked out 220.5 kilograms (486.1 pounds) on her final attempt, which is 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) over the current IPF Junior World Record. The official record is currently held by Peyraud Clara, who deadlifted 218 kilograms (480.6 pounds) at the 2022 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Combining her results from all three lifts, Samantha Eugenie ended up with a total of 515.5 kilograms (1,136.4 pounds). This is easily her greatest Total in her career and is as such also heavier than the IPF Junior World Record. The record currently stands at 510.5 kilograms (1,125.4 pounds), since Peyraud Clara set it at the 2022 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Samantha Eugenie weighed in at 67.8 kilograms (149.5 pounds) for the 2023 FFForce Junior Nationals. She set new competition PRs in all four events, having only missed two out of nine attempts.
Squat
167.5 kilograms (369.2 pounds)
177.5 kilograms (391.3 pounds)
185 kilograms (407.8 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
102.5 kilograms (225.9 pounds)
110 kilograms (242.5 pounds) — Competition PR
Unsuccessful — 115.5 kilograms (254.6 pounds)
Deadlift
210 kilograms (462.9 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 219.5 kilograms (483.9 pounds)
220.5 kilograms (486.1 pounds) — Competition PR & Unofficial IPF Junior World Record
Total — 515.5 kilograms (1,136.4 pounds) — Competition PR & Unofficial IPF Junior World Record
This is Samantha Eugenie’s 12th sanctioned competition, but her resume already includes some of the most prestigious titles in the world. She is now a 3x National Junior Champion, 2x Junior IPF World Champion, and a sub-junior EPF European Champion.
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Samantha Eugenie is barely out of her teen years, but she is already establishing herself as one of the greatest in the world. With many years in front of her, she will only continue to get stronger and better, ultimately hoping to become a leading athlete in the open division as well. Currently, Samantha is preparing for the IPF Junior World Championships, which will be her next competition.
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Vedad is a journalist specializing in strength sports, with three years of experience covering powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, strongman, armwrestling and bodybuilding. He is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, passionate about all aspects of strength training. Vedad's in-depth knowledge of training methodologies and dedication to constant research fuel his insightful and engaging reporting. He works hard to deliver accurate content while continuously seeking to improve his craft.